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Very confused at some of the reviews here. Fit mid-30s guy here, though rarely bike, completed the entire trail both ways today on a hybrid rental bike. Yes this trail is gravel and also now plenty of fallen leaves, and it’s perfectly appropriate for a bike ride as long as it’s an appropriate bike. Don’t try to take a road bike with skinny tires on this trail. Enough room along the majority of the trail for bikers to pass each other without stopping, although, yes, once or twice along the 12 mile stretch you may actually need to stop and walk your bike when passing. Such a beautiful ride.
Beautiful setting, but clearly not designed for bike riders. Much of the 12 miles of trail (Wolfeboro to Wakefield) runs between the confines of remaining railroad rails, so despite the filled-in smooth surface there is no possibility that riders approaching from opposite directions will have room to pass each other. The many walkers we encountered were all considerate to voluntarily step aside and allow us to pass, although we repeatedly needed to hold up for other riders, giving them the right-of-way. One group of riders that included young children attempting to manage the difficult passages unsupervised caused my wife to take a bad fall. We have used and enjoyed many rail trails in NH -- this one deserves to be crossed off every bicycler's list.
We rode this trail from the Water St. parking lot in Augusta. This is virtually the beginning of the trail except for a very short segment that goes down to a park at the river level. The trail takes a break in Hallowell's Granite City Park. There is some historical information here and Adirondack chairs set up to view the river. At the Park, the trail goes onto the street for less than a mile (stay on the main street). There are some really cool old buildings in the town. The trail then goes up to the right. This is a relatively flat and easy ride. It is all paved with few bumps.
This is an old dirt road that’s been gated off at the end of the tar portion. Nice, flat, and wide with occasional views of Lake Auburn. It’s a favorite with local runners. We have encountered a few dogs off leash despite local ordinances so beware of that. A nice early morning walk or run.
Recommend parking at Capital Ave (in the middle of trail) then bike each way. We stopped at School, but trail continues on/along road to Lisbon. There is a nice picnic table near Capital Ave parking lot, right along the river. The section between Davis St and the boat launch is right along the river and has an A+ scenic rating. Trail is lots of short up and down hills, probably not flat more than 50% of the way. Past the boat launch is a significant wooded uphill about 1/2 mile, we didn't need a rest but casual bikers will. That section is not recommended for small children that won't know how to brake. Bring a picnic and enjoy the short trail. No street crossings on the recommended section. p.s. I don't think this is a rail trail, though it goes roughly parallel to track.
The family all loved this rail trail. The unpaved section was a bit hilly and rocky (about 1 mile). The paved section ran parallel to the train tracks. Really cool bridge over the water. Also stopped by the Orchard Ridge farm along the way. Visited the animals and had tasty donuts, fudge and cheese.
We rode from Wolfeboro 7 miles out and back with our three kids. I was very nervous after reading the reviews of people getting hurt. We almost didn’t do this trail because of the reviews. The part we rode was great! Yes, there are parts where you have to switch between the trail and the track but if you are careful and SLOW down this is not an issue. The trail is mostly flat with great scenery . I say a it’s a great trail!
I’ve ridden and walked all over this trail over the years as a local yocal. The portion from downtown Wolfeboro to Fernald station is basically for walkers/joggers only. There are a ton out all times of the year and rightfully so, it’s mint. I got an e-bike recently, and have found the portion from Fernald Station in Wolfeboro out to Wakefield is the best for bikes. It’s crushed stone the entire way and limited foot traffic. Picnic tables along the way too with spots to chill.
The trail is a continues incline but not steep. There are quite a few railroad ties after the first mile but the there is room to go around in most places. Effortless return due to the down slope.
Horrible experience....I have a very narrow-tired bike and didn't know anything about the trail (should have read other reviews!!) and fell 3 times and I am an experienced rider....All gravel, dirt, and on and off the RR tracks many times...very treacherous!! And every time you meet someone you have to stop or they do, to let you by. Some beautiful scenery by the lake but you can't take your eyes off the terrain as it is very uneven. OK for walkers.
We had a great time on this flat trail, which does have some old railroad tires and nails popping up along the way. Using “Map My Walk” it was 7.12 miles from the parking lot to the falls and back. The falls are very refreshing, with a few safe still pools to cool off in! Highly recommend this trail! You can also visit other side trails off this one, including Black Pond which we do next time!
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